Daniel Bryan Webster, former owner of a local used car lot, will serve 60 months in prison for his involvement in a marijuana distribution ring.

Webster, 41, of Stanton, pleaded guilty in July to one felony count of conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, twelve felony counts of structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and one criminal forfeiture count.

The forfeiture count will now require the forfeiture of proceeds of the illegal activity. Subject to forfeiture is $235,320, a 2003 Dodge Viper, a 1956 Thunderbird, a 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS and a 2004 Gator X-Stream boat.

Webster admitted with his plea that between the Fall of 2004 through August 13, 2008, he led a conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana in the Franklin county area with several co-defendants, and that his sources of supply were from the Houston, Texas area.

Webster is the owner of Iron Gate Auto Sales in Cuba. He appeared Friday for sentencing before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

“This investigation was brought to a successful conclusion by tenacious investigators who used every means at their disposal to reveal Mr. Webster’s criminal activity. It was a tremendous team effort that brings Webster to this sentence,” said Det. Sgt. Jason J. Grellner, Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit.

“Currency report information provides a paper trail or roadmap for investigations of financial crimes and illegal activities, including tax evasion and money laundering” said Toni Weirauch, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.

“Friday’s sentencing demonstrates our unwavering commitment to root out criminal organizations wherever they may be found.  Dismantling organizations like this and seizing their assets is a top priority for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry S. Sommers.

Three of the following co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to related charges and have been sentenced: Brian Waltman, 41, of Eureka, was sentenced to five years in prison March 2009; Dennis Vaughn, 31, of Riverview, sentenced to five years probation May 2009; and Walter D. Forman, 69, of Galveston, Texas, sentenced to five years probation September 29, 2009. Elmer Padilla, pleaded guilty in a separate indictment, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2008, while James P. Clark, 83, of Galveston, Texas, is facing trial.

Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap commended the work on the case by the Franklin County Narcotics Task Force, the Crawford and Phelps County Sheriff’s Departments, the Eureka Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; and Assistant United States Attorneys Noelle Collins and Zia Faruqui, who are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.